Cuban leader Fidel Castro is reported to be in very serious condition after a series of three failed operations and complications from an intestinal infection.
The Spanish newspaper El Pais reported on its Web site Monday that Mr. Castro suffers from a serious infection that has worsened to peritonitis.
The condition is a painful and potentially fatal inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity often caused by infection in an organ.
Spanish surgeon Jose Luis Garcia Sabrido, who examined Mr. Castro last month, told reporters the Cuban leader was in good physical and intellectual shape, and wanted to return to work.
But El Pais cited sources at the surgeon's hospital - Gregorio Maranon - as saying the infections have left Mr. Castro with a very grave prognosis.
The 80-year-old Cuban leader underwent an operation at the end of July, and has not been seen in public since.
The newspaper report has not been confirmed. The Cuban government says Mr. Castro's health is a state secret.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.